Had General George Washington lived anywhere other than Mount Vernon, Virginia, Washington, D.C., might not exist. In this exciting collection of hidden tales from Northern Virginia, author Charles Mills highlights the important role that this region played in our nation's history from colonial to modern times. Read about the Rebel blockade of the Potomac River, the imprisonment of German POWs at super-secret Fort Hunt during World War II and the building of the Pentagon on the same site and in the same configuration as Civil War, era Fort Runyon. Meet Annandale's "bunny man, "? who inspired one of the country's wildest and scariest urban legends; learn about the slaves in Alexandria's notorious slave pens; and witness suffragists being dragged from the White House lawn and imprisoned in the Occoquan workhouse. Mills masterfully relates these and other colorful tales of the people and events that left their imprints on Northern Virginia and the nation.
Halls Hill was more than a neighborhood. The residents established organizations and institutions that are still in existence today, Halls Hill residents had a determined mindset. Gratitude. Faith. Hard work. Because of that mindset this neighborhood became a part of the movement.
Hundreds of thousands of visitors flock every year to Arlington for its famous cemetery, the Pentagon, and several memorials, including Iwo Jima and Air Force. But there’s much more to this vibrant city across the Potomac from Washington, DC. With 100 Things to Do in Arlington Before You Die, residents and visitors alike can delve beyond the obvious to discover a multilayered city devoted to dining, history, the arts, sports, shopping, and just plain relaxing. Specialized itineraries and seasonal activities help make the most of it all. Dive into Arlington’s history, including a farmhouse dating back to George Washington’s time (it’s possible he visited), a surprising collection of the nation’s first federal monuments, and the distressing ruins of a neighborhood’s segregation wall built to keep Black Arlingtonians out. Eat well at dozens of global restaurants along a single road, a hidden crab shack, and a special date-night extravaganza overseen by a Michelin- starred chef. Explore the booming arts scene, encompassing a dazzling outdoor sculpture program, a small-but-mighty contemporary arts museum, and studios where you can make your own art. In the heart of urbanity, shady paths wander through Virginia woods filled with deer, migrating birds, and, if you’re lucky to spot one, red foxes. You’ll also get insider tips on how to experience the most famous places in new ways, including several that provide prime spots for Fourth of July fireworks viewing (ssshh—don’t tell anyone!). Arlington-based writer and editor Barbara Noe Kennedy shares 25-plus years of insider knowledge—eating at mom- and-pop restaurants, shopping at local markets, taking art classes, exploring historical sites, attending performances, running and biking the trails, and more. Detailed descriptions, tips, and practical info ensure locals and visitors alike will enjoy the best this energetic city has to offer.
Death, deception, and a detective with quite a lot to hide stalk the pages of Anthony Horowitz’s brilliant murder mystery, the second in the bestselling series starring Private Investigator Daniel Hawthorne. “You shouldn’t be here. It’s too late . . . “ These, heard over the phone, were the last recorded words of successful celebrity-divorce lawyer Richard Pryce, found bludgeoned to death in his bachelor pad with a bottle of wine—a 1982 Chateau Lafite worth £3,000, to be precise. Odd, considering he didn’t drink. Why this bottle? And why those words? And why was a three-digit number painted on the wall by the killer? And, most importantly, which of the man’s many, many enemies did the deed? Baffled, the police are forced to bring in Private Investigator Daniel Hawthorne and his sidekick, the author Anthony, who’s really getting rather good at this murder investigation business. But as Hawthorne takes on the case with characteristic relish, it becomes clear that he, too, has secrets to hide. As our reluctant narrator becomes ever more embroiled in the case, he realizes that these secrets must be exposed—even at the risk of death . . .
Arlington County, Virginia's oldest African American community, the Nauck community, which dates back to 1844, is rich in history and abundant with bridge builders, both past and present, who have made local and national contributions while fighting for their right to experience a good quality of life. Bridge Builders of Nauck/Green Valley: Past and Present is a compilation of the stories, interviews, and biographies of these extraordinary African Americans who pursued and found success, despite the laws at the time that limited their access to everything from home loans to education. The perseverance of the pioneers of Nauck is alive through their accomplishments, triumphs, and achievements. Whether in their own words, the words of their loved ones, or through history books, Taylor's labor of love seeks to memorialize the important work these African Americans have achieved and the legacy they leave for future generations. Said Taylor, "Ordinary Nauck/Green Valley residents surviving Jim Crow Laws, lacking financial backing, becoming economically independent, educating themselves and their children, fighting for freedom, and remembering from whence they came should be an inspiration to all to celebrate and continue sharing future, ordinary resident's accomplishments." About the Author Dr. Alfred O. Taylor Jr. was born and raised in Arlington County, Virginia. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Technical Teacher Training, a Master of Arts in Administration and Supervision of Adult Education, and a Doctorate of Education from the Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University in Administration of Higher Education. Taylor served as Assistant Dean for the College of Professional Studies (and was later named Acting Dean). Taylor retired from the University of the District of Columbia after thirty-one years of service. Taylor is still active in his community and religious community, serving as President of the Nauck Civic Association and as Chairman of the Deacon's Ministry at the Macedonia Baptist Church, among many others. Taylor and his wife, Delores, a retired D.C. Public Schools teacher, have two children, three grandsons, and two great-granddaughters. He hopes that Nauck/Green Valley: Past and Present will become a living document that will be continuously supplemented as future generations of "Nauckians" make their contributions to society.
For over two centuries, Arlington County has been a steadfast center for government institutions and a vibrant part of the Washington, D.C., community. Many notable figures made their home in the area, like Supreme Court chief justice Warren Burger, General George Blood 'n' Guts Patton and a beauty queen who almost married crooner Dean Martin. The drama of Virginia's first school integration unfolded in Arlington beginning in the late 1950s. In the 1960s, two motorcycle gangs clashed in public at a suburban shopping center. Local author, historian and Our Man in Arlington Charlie Clark uncovers the vivid, and hidden, history of a capital community.
Modern-day Arlington County is a center for government institutions and a critical part of the Washington, D.C. community. But the identity of the area goes far beyond the influence of the nation's capital. During the War of 1812, the original copy of the Declaration of Independence was hidden from the British in a local area gristmill. Arlington was the only county in Virginia to vote against secession, despite being home to Robert E. Lee. In the 1950s, a young Jim Morrison was raised partly in Arlington. The county even boasts an infamous $1 million bus stop. In this collection of his most funny and fascinating columns, local author, historian, journalist and "Our Man in Arlington" Charlie Clark regales with stories of politics, personalities and everything in between.
I have written about Arlington Ridge in terms of personal exploration between my best friend, Charley, and me. When you walk a dog several miles a day in the same general area, you encounter many things that are missed when you are alone, just walking or driving a car. With a dog, you must stop and attend to the duties of the dog. The shared journey is the important thing, not getting somewhere. You must stop and wait for sniffing expeditions. And you (the human) can share your observations and wonder with someone (the dog) who is nonjudgmental. Since we traverse the area a couple times a day, we are also a strobe light on change. We report downed trees to the county. We observe poor workmanship and repairs. And even though we may have passed a location hundreds of times, we see something new, even things as large as houses. Thus, I have tried to create a series of Readers Digestible stories (a made-up term for a story quickly read and easily understood) that relate here and now to yesteryear with the help of Charley. This book is organized by first introducing you, the reader, to Charley, then by working our way around the ridge geographically. If north is at twelve oclock, that is where I start and work clockwise and back to twelve oclock. I hope you will enjoy my shared journey and experiences with Charley as much as I have. Charley doesnt remember any of the story details (unless there are smells involved), but she does remember her way around the nearly twenty miles of roads, alleys, and paths of the ridge.
